Content
A new type of fruit plants - columnar trees - has recently appeared in the gardens of the Russian Federation. During this period, a lot of positive feedback about this crop was received from gardeners. Cherry Helena is a compact plant with a bush height (no more than 3.5 m). Giving a bountiful harvest and decorating the garden, it is popular in central Russia. Characterized by the dessert taste of red-pink berries. Photo of Helena cherry:
History of selection
Columnar trees are of Canadian origin. One of the farmers in 1964 discovered a mutation in the apple tree, characterized by increased fruitfulness in the absence of a crown. The breeding of fruit crops with this trait continued in Europe. The results obtained were highlighted and consolidated. The Helena cherry variety is an early hybrid and grows almost exclusively upward. Having acquired a cylindrical crown, it has short lateral branches with many fruiting shoots.
Description of culture
The dimensions of the plant are no more than a meter in diameter, and reach 3.5 meters in height. There is no significant branching. Description of the columnar variety cherries Regarding the fruit, Helena classifies it as a dessert variety.
Large berries have the following characteristics:
- Some rigidity, external beauty, glossy shine and ruby tint.
- The dark red, juicy, medium-density pulp has pink veins.
- The taste is very sweet, honey with aroma.
- The weight of cherries is 12 - 15 grams - an excellent indicator.
Helena cherries are ideal for growing in the middle zone.
Characteristics
Planting and care columnar cherries Helena include choosing a bright place, protected from the wind. If the soil is fertile enough, the tree will produce the best quality fruit.
Drought resistance, winter hardiness
Columnar cherry Helena tolerates frosts in central Russia (-40°C). In the first two years of life, it is covered for the winter, since the top of the head can be damaged by the cold. The tree loves watering, which is especially important during fruit formation. To get a good harvest, it is better not to expose it to drought. But cherries will not tolerate stagnant moisture either.
Pollination, flowering period and ripening time
Gardeners know that cherries, as a crop, are overwhelmingly incapable of self-pollination. For this process, she needs to have a tree of a different variety nearby.
Helena can only be partially self-fertile.
Productivity, fruiting
The harvest in the middle zone ripens on June 18 or 25, which is the average time. From each tree you can collect more than 15 kg, which is a good indicator. The tree remains fruitful for 15 or 25 years. After planting, the Helena cherry tree takes root well. But in the same year you should not count on fruiting.Some owners pick off flowers in the first spring, trying to acclimatize the tree and give it more strength. You can expect harvest in the third year of life.
Resistance to diseases and pests
The Helena variety is resistant not only to winter, but also to diseases. Therefore, and for other reasons, it is considered not to require burdensome care. As a preventive measure against pests and diseases, the trunks are whitewashed at the beginning of spring before flowering. They are also sprayed with Bordeaux mixture.
Advantages and disadvantages
The “advantages” of Helena cherries include the following properties.
- Compact tree size.
- Resistance to cold and disease.
- Quite early ripening.
- Fairly unpretentious. Easy to maintain, the tree does not require pruning.
- The harvest is easy to harvest and the fruits are available.
- Beautiful, tasty and juicy fruits.
The disadvantage is the small yield compared to full-size trees. And also only partial self-pollination.
Conclusion
Helena cherry is one of the most beloved types of fruit trees. Its columnar shape is convenient; the tree is not excessively tall. Compact dimensions make the entire harvest accessible. Also, such selection allows you to place several varieties in a small area. Having mastered the methods of growing such cherries, gardeners will be able to obtain a stable harvest of delicious berries. Columnar trees will also decorate the site and create an original landscape.
Reviews
The following reviews have been received from gardeners about the Helena columnar cherry.
I chose two varieties of columnar cherries for my garden: Sylvia and Helena. Both grow safely, but I cover them for the winter. Very tasty fruits, trees suitable for the climate. I have excellent reviews of Helena and Sylvia cherries as varieties.
